Villagers clash with police in Noida extension

Lucknow: Angry villagers in Haibatpur in Noida extension on Monday fought a pitched battle with the police and Noida Development Authority workers when an anti-encroachment squad tried to demolish some illegal shops.

Several policemen were injured as the irate mob set a shop on fire and vandalised the site office of a builder. They also blocked traffic by setting tyres on fire, police said.

Noida Senior Superintendent of Police Praveen Kumar told a news agency that the villagers pelted stones at the police force and attacked workers at a construction site soon after the anti-encroachment drive commenced.
A company of the Provincial Armed Constabulary was deployed to contain any further violence.

The rioting mob was contained after two hours, the anti-encroachment drive was withdrawn due to heavy resistance. The situation is tense but under control, the district police said.